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BTQ profile picture

BTQ

Account Manager

Politicker
Catalyst
Valued Contributor
+7

Tips on networking at conferences?

kinda weird but I've never been to a conference for work.

I'm going to my first conference in Las Vegas and was curious if anyone had any advice on what to do and what not to do.

since we're a startup I don't think we'll have a booth so we're going to try and meet prospects at a nearby coffee stand. 

any tips savages?

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17 comments

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braintank
Politicker
3
Enterprise Account Executive
People still hand out business cards?
braintank
Politicker
2
Enterprise Account Executive
How much budget you got?
BTQ
Politicker
1
Account Manager
Very little
braintank
Politicker
5
Enterprise Account Executive
Do research in advance. Have a list of people and start reaching out in advance to set up meetings. See if you can make friends with an exhibitor and hang around their booth. If a target is speaking absolutely attend the event and ask an intelligent question during Q&A or afterwards. Try to plan a nice dinner and invite prospects.
TennisandSales
Politicker
2
Head Of Sales
this is the best way. if you dont have a booth, trying to set meetings in advance is the best way to go.

i would also go to the most relevant talks that your customers will be at. then see who you can meet there.
What i have done is see who is asking questions/engaging in the conversation, then follow up with them after about what they were saying. its the warmest intro you will find.
Sunbunny31
Politicker
2
Sr Sales Executive 🐰
Usually conference booth holders get attendee lists. I'm not sure if conference goers do, but it's worth checking to see if you can.
I agree that reaching out in advance to set up what you can is a good strategy.
CuriousFox
WR Officer
2
🦊
You gotta buy a booth to get the list.
Sunbunny31
Politicker
2
Sr Sales Executive 🐰
Sometimes there are gathering areas inside the conference floor as well - you might want to check that.
Pachacuti
Politicker
2
They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy
Since you aren't an exhibitor, you're going to be at a disadvantage as far as attendee lists and having a booth people can come to.
So attend all the sessions you can. Talk to the speakers after the session and try to talk to those around you. That has worked for me in the past.
Good luck!
Mobi85
Politicker
2
Regional Sales Manager
Don’t be a wall flower, you are there to network and so be a peacock and get out there and meet some people.

Also as much fun as it will be in Vegas don’t over indulge if you can help yourself. A lot of fun can be had in Vegas but understand you are there to network and build some business.

As others have said, bring a lot of business cards and pass those bad boys out like candy.
UserNotFound
Politicker
2
Account Executive
An offsite event is always nice. Happy hour at the hotel bar, or as @braintank suggested a dinner. Set up some meetings in advance, and see if you can get friendly enough to walk around the show with one of your prospects. They’ll run into people they know and introduce you in turn.

My silliest Conference advice: always look like you’re having fun. No one wants to talk to someone who looks bored AF then “turns it on” for conversation with them.
antiASKHOLE
Tycoon
2
Bravado's Resident Asshole
Stay away from the girls at the bar. My buddy tried that and it is the wrong kind of networking. poor guy went home $800 poorer and didn't even play any games.
Kosta_Konfucius
Politicker
2
Sales Rep
https://bravado.co/war-room/posts/how-i-network-to-have-job-security
@tennis had an awesome post a couple months back where he touches on conferences too
Justatitle
Big Shot
1
Account Executive
any engagement on socials from your company with prospects that will be there? do you know what prospects will be there?
HVACexpert
Politicker
1
sales engineer
Don’t be shy, and carry lots of business cards.
GDO
Politicker
1
BDM
prepare. Know who you want to talk to and where they'll be
TennisandSales
Politicker
1
Head Of Sales
what you should NOT do, is just hand out your business card to everyone.

ive seen a bunch of ppl do that and its so annoying and not helpful.

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